Electronic soap dispenser

ABSTRACT

An electronic soap dispenser includes an upper dispensing head supported above a sink deck, and a liquid soap reservoir and a pump assembly supported below the sink deck. A capacitive sensor is operably coupled to the dispensing head. A controller is in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor and activates the pump assembly in response to input from the capacitive sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE OR RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/168,857, filed Jan. 30, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 61/765,501, filed Feb. 15,2013, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a soap dispenser and, moreparticularly, to a sink deck mounted electronic soap dispenser forsimple operation and ease of maintenance.

Electronic soap dispensers including sensors for hand-free operation areknown in the art. Such electronic soap dispensers may include infraredor capacitive sensors to detect the presence of a user and dispense soapin response thereto.

The present disclosure relates to an electronic soap dispenser thatincludes a controller to actuate a pump in response to input from acapacitive sensor. Additionally, the electronic soap dispenser of thepresent disclosure includes a mounting structure to support a dispensinghead above a mounting deck, and to support a reservoir and pump assemblybelow the mounting deck.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, anelectronic soap dispenser includes a dispensing head configured to besupported above a mounting deck and including an outlet. A lowerreservoir is operably coupled to the dispensing head and is configuredto be supported below the mounting deck. A pump assembly is operablycoupled to the lower reservoir. The pump assembly is configured to besupported below the mounting deck and to pump liquid soap from the lowerreservoir to the outlet of the dispensing head. A capacitive sensor isoperably coupled to the dispensing head. A controller is in electricalcommunication with the capacitive sensor. The controller is configuredto receive an output signal from the capacitive sensor and todistinguish between a proximity output signal from the capacitive sensorwhen a user is positioned in a detection area near the dispensing head,and a touch output signal from the capacitive sensor when a user touchesthe dispensing head.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, an electronic soap dispenser includes a dispensing headconfigured to be supported above a mounting deck and including a spoutbody. A dispensing tube is received within the spout body and defines anoutlet. A lower reservoir is configured to be supported below themounting deck. The lower reservoir includes an upper neck operablycoupled to the dispensing head. A pump assembly is operably coupled tothe lower reservoir and is configured to pump liquid soap from the lowerreservoir to the outlet of the dispensing tube. A supply tube extendswithin the lower reservoir. The supply tube extends from a lower endfluidly coupled to the pump assembly to an upper end extending withinthe upper neck of the reservoir. A tube retainer secures the lower endof the dispensing tube to the spout body. The tube retainer includes adownwardly facing funnel portion receiving the upper end of the supplytube to define a releasable fluid coupling between the dispensing tubeextending above the mounting deck and the supply tube extending belowthe mounting deck.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,an electronic soap dispenser includes a dispensing head having a spoutbody. A mounting base is configured to be supported above a mountingdeck and releasably coupled to the dispensing head. A lower reservoir isoperably coupled to the dispensing head and is configured to besupported below the mounting deck. A pump assembly is operably coupledto the lower reservoir and is configured to pump liquid soap from thelower reservoir to the dispensing head. A controller is in electricalcommunication with the pump assembly. An electrical connector ispositioned between the dispensing head and the controller. Theelectrical connector includes a first contact supported for movement bythe dispensing head, and a second contact in selective electricalcommunication with the first contact supported on the mounting basewherein the electrical connector is configured to maintain electricalcommunication as the dispensing head is rotated relative to the mountingbase.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, an electronic soap dispenser includes a dispensing headconfigured to be supported above a mounting deck and including anoutlet. A reservoir is operably coupled to the dispensing head. A pumpassembly is operably coupled to the reservoir and is configured to pumpliquid soap from the reservoir to the outlet of the dispensing head. Acapacitive sensor is operably coupled to the dispensing head. Acontroller is in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor.The controller is configured to receive a touch output signal from thecapacitive sensor when a user touches the dispensing head. Thecontroller is further configured to dispense a liquid soap for a setdispensing duration in response to the touch output signal whenoperating in a dispensing mode, and to selectively change the setdispensing duration in response to successive touch output signals whenoperating in a programming mode.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying thebest mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to theaccompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative electronic soapdispenser of the present disclosure coupled to a mounting deck shown inphantom;

FIG. 2 is a front exploded perspective view of the electronic soapdispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial bottom exploded perspective view of the electronicsoap dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear exploded perspective view of the electronic soapdispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a detailed upper cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, showing thedispensing spout extending above the mounting deck;

FIG. 7 is a detailed lower cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, showing thereservoir and the pump assembly extending below the mounting deck;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a detailed upper cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, showing thedispensing spout extending above the mounting deck;

FIG. 10 is a detailed lower cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, showing thereservoir and the pump assembly extending below the mounting deck;

FIG. 11 is a lower perspective view of the drive mechanism of theelectronic soap dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the pump assembly ofthe electronic soap dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating communication between componentsof the electronic soap dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the switch assembly within thedispensing head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the switch assembly similar to FIG. 14,with the input button removed from the switch;

FIG. 16 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the switch of FIG. 15taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 17A is a detailed view of FIG. 17 showing an alternative electricalconnector;

FIG. 18 illustrates exemplary capacitive signal outputs in response to auser located within a detection zone and a user touching the dispensinghead;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a dispensing head and mounting shank ofanother illustrative electronic soap dispenser of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 20 is a top exploded perspective view of the dispensing head andmounting shank of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is bottom exploded perspective view of the dispensing head andmounting shank of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 24 is a detailed perspective view of the dispensing head of FIG. 19with the spout body shown in phantom and rotationally located in acentered position relative to the mounting base;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 24 with the spout bodyrotationally located in a counterclockwise limit position;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 24 with the spout bodyrotationally located in an intermediate clockwise position;

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing an illustrativereleasable coupling of the retaining hub and the mounting base;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an illustrative electronic soapdispenser of the present disclosure coupled to a mounting deck in astand-alone configuration;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an illustrative electronic soapdispenser of the present disclosure coupled to a mounting deck in anintegrated configuration with an electronic faucet;

FIG. 30 is a top exploded perspective view of the electronic soapdispenser of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a partial bottom exploded perspective view of the dispensinghead and mounting shank of FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 is a partial top exploded perspective view of the lower soapreservoir and pump assembly of FIG. 28; and

FIGS. 34A and 34B are flow charts of an illustrative method of operationof the electronic soap dispenser of FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed. Rather,the embodiments elected for description have been chosen to enable oneskilled in the art to practice the invention.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, an illustrative electronic soap pumpor dispenser 10 is shown coupled to a mounting deck, illustratively asink deck 12. An upper dispensing spout or head 14 extends above anupper surface 16 of the sink deck 12, while a lower soap reservoir 18and pump assembly 20 are supported below a lower surface 22 of the sinkdeck 12. The pump assembly 20 is configured to propel liquid soap fromwithin the lower soap reservoir 18 to a dispensing outlet 23 of thedispensing head 14.

A mounting shank 24 extends downwardly through an opening 26 in the sinkdeck 12 and secures both the dispensing head 14 and the lower soapreservoir 18 to the sink deck 12. The mounting shank 24 includesexternal threads 28 that engage with internal threads 30 of a mountingnut 32 (FIG. 7). The mounting nut 32 may be of conventional design andformed of a polymer. A mounting spacer 31, illustratively a splitannular ring formed of a polymer, may be positioned intermediate themounting nut 32 and the sink deck 12. The sink deck 12 is clampedbetween the dispensing head 14 and the mounting nut 32. An open upperneck 33 of the reservoir 18 includes internal threads 34 coupled to theexternal threads 28 of the mounting shank 24, while a lower bottom wall35 of the reservoir 18 supports the pump assembly 20 (FIG. 7). A supplytube or straw 36 extends axially through the soap reservoir 18 andfluidly couples the pump assembly 20 and the dispensing head 14.

The dispensing head 14 illustratively includes a hollow spout body 40receiving a dispensing tube 42. The spout body 40 is illustrativelyformed of a metal or polymer, such as a chromed acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS). The dispensing tube 42 is illustratively formed of aflexible polymer, such as a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), and extendswithin a hollow passageway 43 of the spout body 40. A lower end 44 ofthe dispensing tube 42 is in fluid communication with an upper end 46 ofthe supply tube 36, and an upper end 48 of the dispensing tube 42defines the dispensing outlet 23.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4 and 6, a tip or nozzle 50 is secured to theoutlet 23 by a retainer 52. More particularly, the retainer 52 includesa barbed fitting 54 received within the upper end 48 of the dispensingtube 42. A check valve 56 is illustratively coupled intermediate the tip50 and the retainer 52 to prevent dripping of liquid soap from theoutlet 23. The check valve 56 may be of conventional design as includinga pair of opposing flaps 58 defining a dispensing slot 60 (FIG. 3). Thecheck valve 56 is illustratively formed of a resilient material, such asan elastomer or polymer, such as a silicone.

With further reference to FIGS. 2-4, a hose or tube retainer 62 securesthe lower end 44 of the dispensing tube 42 to the spout body 40. Thetube retainer 62 may be formed of a polymer, such as an acetalcopolymer, and illustratively includes an upper barbed fitting 64 and atapered lower receiving chamber or funnel 66. The upper barbed fitting64 is secured within the dispensing tube 42, while the lower receivingchamber 66 receives the upper end 46 of the supply tube 36. A pair ofmounting bosses 68 including openings 70 to receive fasteners, such asscrews 72, to secure the tube retainer 62 within retaining bosses 73 ofthe spout body 40 (FIG. 3).

A releasable coupler 74 couples the spout body 40 to the mounting shank24 to facilitate removal of the dispensing head 14 from the sink deck 12for refilling the reservoir 18 with liquid soap from above the sink deck12 and/or replacing the dispensing head 14 with different styles ordesigns. Illustratively, the releasable coupler 74 includes a structuralcoupling or connector 76 between the dispensing head 14 and the mountingshank 24, and an electrical coupling or connector 78 between thedispensing head 14 and the pump assembly 20.

In one illustrative embodiment, the structural connector 76 of thereleasable coupler 74 includes a retainer cap 80, and a retaining clip82 supported by the spout body 40. The mounting shank 24 includes alower threaded portion 84 supporting the external threads 28, and anupper mounting base 86 including an arcuate upper wall 88 and a flange90. Opposing ends 92 and 94 of the upper wall 88 define an opening 96. Apassageway 98 within the mounting shank 24 receives the supply tube 36.The flange 90 separates the upper wall 88 from the lower threadedportion 84 of the mounting shank 24 and rests on the upper surface 16 ofthe sink deck 12. The mounting shank 24 is illustratively formed of anelectrically non-conductive material, such as a polymer. As such, themounting base 86 of the mounting shank 24 defines an electricalinsulator between the dispensing head 14 and the sink deck 12.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 6 and 15, the retainer cap 80 may be formedof a polymer and illustratively includes openings 100 to receive screws72 for securing to the tube retainer 62 and the spout body 40. Theretaining clip 82, illustratively a wire snap ring, is received withinan annular groove 104 formed within the retainer cap 80. The retainingclip 82 secures the spout body 40 to the mounting shank 24. Moreparticularly, the retaining clip 82 extends radially outwardly to beretained by inwardly extending tabs 106 supported by the arcuate upperwall 88 of the mounting shank 24.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 13, an input member or electrode 110,illustratively an electrically conductive sensing plate or touch pad112, may be coupled to the spout body 40. More particularly, the sensingplate 112 is coupled to a sensing plate insulator 114 which, in turn, issupported within a recess 116 formed in the spout body 40. The sensingplate 112 is formed of an electrically conductive material, such as achromed stainless steel, and is electrically coupled to a capacitivesensor 118. The sensing plate insulator 114 is formed of an electricallyinsulating material, such as a polymer.

With reference to FIG. 13, the capacitive sensor 118 is electricallycoupled to a controller 120, which may be supported by a printed circuitboard (PCB). As further detailed herein, an output signal 119 from thecapacitive sensor 118 is provided by the controller 120. The capacitivesensor 118 is illustratively used for both a touch sensor and a handsfree proximity sensor. In the hands free mode of operation, thecapacitive sensor 118 and the controller 120 detect a user's hands orother object within a detection area 121 located near the input member110 of the dispensing head 14 (FIGS. 6 and 13).

In certain illustrative embodiments, a light indicator 122, such as oneof more light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be positioned within theinsulator 114 to provide illumination around the sensing plate 112during different operating conditions of the dispenser 10, such as whenthe pump assembly 20 is dispensing liquid soap. As further detailedherein, while a separate input member 110 such as sensing plate 112 maybe coupled to the spout body 40 to provide a capacitive input to thecapacitive sensor 118, other input members may be substituted therefor.For example, and as further detailed herein, the spout body 40 itselfmay define the input member 110 when at least partially formed of anelectrically conductive material.

As noted above, the electrical connector 78 defines a releasableelectrical coupling between the dispensing head 14 and the pump assembly20 for selective electrical communication therebetween. The electricalconnector 78 provides communication between the capacitive input member110 above the sink deck 12 and electronics below the sink deck 12. Thisquick disconnect feature allows a user to remove the spout body 40, forexample, when refilling the soap reservoir 18, without dealing with awired connection between the mounting base 86 and the spout body 40.

With reference to FIGS. 4, 15 and 17, the electrical connector 78illustratively includes a first electrical contact 124 supported formovement by the dispensing head 14, and a second electrical contact 126in selective electrical communication with the first electrical contact124 supported by the mounting base 86 of the mounting shank 24. Theelectrical connector 78 is configured to maintain electricalcommunication between the contacts 124 and 126 as the dispensing head 14is rotated within a predetermined angular range relative to the mountingbase 86.

The second electrical contact 126 illustratively includes anelectrically conductive arcuate strip or band 128 extendingcircumferentially outside the wall 88 of the mounting shank 24.Illustratively, the band 128 is formed of a metal strip, such as copperor brass. Opposing ends 130 and 132 of the band 128 are bent or wrappedaround ends 92 and 94 of the upper wall 88 of the mounting shank 24. Thefirst electrical contact 124 illustratively includes a connecting tab134 providing electrical communication between the sensing plate 112 andthe capacitive sensor 118. Illustratively, the tab 134 is formed as anintegral part of the sensing plate 112 (FIG. 4) and may be formed of ametal, such as copper or brass. As may be appreciated, the positions ofthe arcuate band 128′ and the tab 134′ may be reversed (FIG. 17A).Conventional wires or cables (not shown) may couple the conductive band128 to the capacitive sensor 118. A channel 136 may be formed in themounting shank 24 to receive the wires or cables extending between thedispensing head 14 and under deck electrical components (e.g., the pumpassembly 20).

With reference to FIG. 13, a conventional power supply 140illustratively provides power to the controller 120. The power supply140 may comprise a conventional AC power connection with an AC/DCconvertor, or a battery. A power switch 142 is provided to selectivelysupply power to the controller 120. As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the powerswitch 142 may be of conventional design and illustratively includes alever contact 144 in a normally open position and supported by a base145. A slide switch housing 146 is operably coupled to the power switch142. The slide switch housing 146 is retained on the spout body 40 forsliding movement between on and off positions. The housing 146 defines achamber 148 receiving the base 145 and lever contact 144. As the housing146 is slidably moved, a protrusion 150 engages the lever contact 144 ofthe power switch 142 to close the lever contact 144. As such, slidingthe housing 146 causes the lever contact 144 to toggle between on andoff positions.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the pump assembly 20 is supported bythe soap reservoir 18 and illustratively includes a drive mechanism 160operably coupled to a pump device 162. The soap reservoir 18 includes acylindrical side wall 164 defining a chamber 166 to store liquid soap.The soap reservoir 18 generally defines a bottle formed of a polymer.The upper neck 33 of the reservoir 18 includes internal threads 34 tocouple with external threads 28 of the mounting shank 24. The bottomwall 35 of the reservoir 18 supports the pump assembly 20 and is securedto bosses 168 supported by the side wall 164 through fasteners, such asscrews 170. An o-ring 172 provides a radial seal, and a gasket 174provides a face seal between the bottom wall 35 and the side wall 164 ofthe reservoir 18. In alternative embodiments, the bottom wall 35 may besecured to the side wall 164 in other conventional manners, such asadhesives or ultrasonic welding.

With reference to FIGS. 10-13, the drive mechanism 160 illustrativelyincludes an electric motor 176 having a rotatable drive shaft 178 andoperably coupled to the controller 120. The electric motor 176 isillustratively supported below the bottom wall 35 by a motor mount 179.The motor mount 179 includes a pair of receiving bosses 180 receiving apair of posts 182 extending downwardly from the bottom wall 35 (FIG. 8).The drive mechanism 160 is retained within a motor cover 184 which, inturn, is secured to the bottom wall 35 by fasteners, such as screws 186.The motor cover 184 is illustratively formed of a polymer and protectsthe drive mechanism 160 from debris.

The drive mechanism 160 further includes a first or drive pulley 188coupled to drive shaft 178 of the motor 176. A second or driven pulley190 is coupled to the first pulley 188 by a flexible belt 192. Thesecond pulley 190 is supported by a rotatable shaft 193. The pump device162 illustratively includes a pair of gears 194 and 196 operably coupledto the motor 176. More particularly, a first or drive gear 194 issupported on the shaft 193 driven by the second pulley 190. A second ordriven gear 196 is supported by a stud or post 198 extending upwardlyfrom the bottom wall 35 of the soap reservoir 18. Cooperating teeth 202and 204 of the gears 194 and 196 mesh to force liquid soap from thereservoir 18 up the supply tube 36.

With reference to FIG. 12, the gears 194 and 196 are received within arecess 206 formed in the bottom wall 35. A gear cover 208 is positionedabove the gears 194 and 196 and is secured to the bottom wall 35 by aplurality of fasteners, such as screws 210. The gear cover 208 includesan inlet port 212 and an outlet port 214 on opposite sides of where thegear teeth 202 and 204 mesh. The outlet port 214 is defined by anupwardly extending nipple 216 received within the lower end 218 of thesupply tube 36.

The supply tube 36 extends upwardly through the reservoir 18 and intothe dispensing head 14. More particularly, the lower end 218 of thesupply tube 36 is fluidly coupled to the outlet port 214 of the gearcover 208, while the upper end 46 of the supply tube 36 is receivedwithin the receiving chamber 66 of the tube retainer 62. As such, thedispensing tube 36 extends axially the full length of the soap reservoir18 from proximate the bottom wall 35 through the sink deck 12 and intothe dispensing head 14.

With reference to FIGS. 5-10, the dispensing tube 36 defines a rigidstraw that extends from the bottom of the reservoir 18 upwardly and isreleasably coupled to the dispensing tube 42. The funnel 66 of the tuberetainer 62 and a cooperating seal 220 on the dispensing head 14receives upper end 48 of the dispensing tube 42 to assist with assemblyof the dispensing head 14 to the mounting base 86 of the mounting shank24. The retainer cap 80 also illustratively includes a tapered receivingchamber 221 to guide the upper end of the dispensing tube 42 to the tuberetainer 62.

With reference to FIG. 5, support walls or ribs 222 support thedispensing tube 42 below the inlet 224 of the lower reservoir 18 inorder to facilitate refilling the reservoir 18 with liquid soap fromabove the sink deck 12. More particularly, the upper end 48 of thedispensing tube 42 is concentrically received within the neck 33 of thereservoir such that when the dispensing head 14 is removed, liquid soapmay be poured into inlet 224 of the neck 33 defined around thedispensing tube 42. A funnel (not shown) may be used to facilitaterefilling the reservoir 18 with liquid soap. A flange 225 isillustratively formed on the tube 36 below the support ribs 222 toprevent inadvertent removal of the tube 36 from the reservoir 18.

As detailed above, the dispensing head 14 is illustratively coupled tothe mounting shank 24 via a releasable coupler 74 for ease of fillingthe soap reservoir 18. More particularly, the dispensing head 14 may beremoved from the mounting shank 24 for refilling the lower reservoir 18from above the sink deck 12 and/or replacing the dispensing head 14 withdifferent styles or designs.

In operation, the controller 120 is powered when the power switch 142 ismoved to the on position. The light indicator 122 may be illuminatedwhen the soap dispenser 10 is powered and/or when the pump device 162 isactively dispensing soap. Flashing patterns or different colors of thelight indicator 122 may provide different indications to the user, suchas dispensing mode (proximity vs. touch). The pump assembly 20 may betouch controlled using a touch sensor, or activated by a proximitysensor when an object (such as a user's hands) are within the detectionzone or area 121 to toggle water flow on and off.

Output signal 119 from the capacitive sensor 118 may be supplied to thecontroller 120 to control the motor 176 of the pump assembly 20, whichthereby controls the flow of liquid soap from the reservoir 18 to theoutlet 23 of the dispensing head 14. By sensing capacitance changes withcapacitive sensor 118, the controller 120 can make logical decisions tocontrol different modes of operation of dispenser 10. For example, inone illustrative embodiment, the controller 120 may operate in aproximity mode of operation where the pump assembly 20 dispenses apredetermined quantity of liquid soap (i.e., for a set dispensingduration), and a touch mode of operation where the pump assembly 20continuously dispenses liquid soap as long as contact is maintained. Inanother illustrative embodiment, the controller 120 may cause the pumpassembly 20 to dispense a predetermined quantity of liquid soap (i.e.,for a set dispensing duration) in the touch mode of operation, and beinactive in proximity mode of operation.

The controller 120 may include a timer such that dispensing of liquidsoap automatically stops after a predetermined amount of time to protectagainst potential malfunctions or misuse of the dispenser 10. In anotherillustrative embodiment, the pump assembly 20 dispenses a singlequantity (i.e., “shot”) of soap with each tap. For example, thecontroller 120 causes one shot of soap in response to a single tap, twoshots of soap in response to two taps, etc.

In one illustrated embodiment, the capacitive sensor 118 is a CapSensecapacitive sensor available from Cypress Semiconductor Corporation orother suitable capacitive sensor. In this illustrated embodiment, thecapacitive sensor 118 converts capacitance into a count value. Theunprocessed count value is referred to as a raw count. Processing theraw count signal determines whether the dispensing head 14 is touched orwhether a user's hands are in the detection area 121. Additional detailsof an illustrative capacitive sensing system for use in a fluid deliverydevice are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/763,690,filed Apr. 20, 2010, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporatedherein by reference.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary output signal 119 from capacitive sensor 118.The controller 120 establishes a hands free threshold level 232 and aspout touch threshold level 234 as illustrated in FIG. 18. As the user'shands enter the detection area 121, a slope of the capacitive signal 119changes gradually as illustrated at location 236 in FIG. 18. Edgeportion 236 of the capacitive signal 119 illustrates the effect of theuser's hands within the detection area 121 and the negative slope ofcapacitive signal 119 at location 238 illustrates the user's handsleaving the detection area 121. When a change in slope is detected atedge location 236 and the capacitive signal 119 rises above the handsfree threshold 232 such as during portion 240 of the signal 119, thecontroller 120 determines that the user's hands are within the detectionarea 121. If the hands free mode is active or enabled, controller 120will then provide a signal to pump assembly 20 to pump liquid soapthrough the outlet 23. Illustratively, the controller 120 maintains thesoap flow for a slight delay time (illustratively about 2 seconds) afterthe capacitive signal 119 drops below the threshold level at location238. This reduces the likelihood of pulsation if the user's hands aremoved slightly or for a very short duration out of the detection area121 and then back into the detection area 121.

The same output signal 119 from the capacitive sensor 118 may also beused to distinguish between whether the input member 110 is touched by auser. When the input member 110 coupled to the dispensing head 14 istouched, a large positive slope is generated in the capacitive signal119 as illustrated a location 242. The capacitive signal count levelexceeds the touch threshold 234 during the time of the touch which isshown by portion 246 between the positive slope 242 and the negativeslope at location 244. The negative slope at location 244 as detected bythe controller 120 indicates that the touch has ended. The controller120 may also distinguish between a “tap” and a “grab” of the dispensinghead 14. More particularly, the controller 120 may make such adistinction based on the amount of time between the positive andnegative slopes 244 and 244 of the capacitive signal 119. A longerduration indicates a “grab”, while a shorter duration indicates a “tap”.

In an illustrated embodiment, hands free threshold 232 for proximitydetection is set at about 30-40 counts. The spout touch detectionthreshold 234 is illustratively set at about 300-400 counts. In otherwords, the amplitude of the capacitive signal 119 from capacitive sensor118 for the spout touch threshold 234 is about 10 times greater than theamplitude for the hands free threshold 232. In certain illustrativeembodiments, the proximity or hand free threshold is factory set suchthat the controller 120 activates the pump assembly 20 when a user'shand is within 0.5 inches of the electrode 110.

To refill the soap reservoir 18, the dispensing head 14 is removed fromthe mounting shank, for example by axially pulling the spout body 40from the mounting shank 24. The dispensing tube 42 is thereby uncoupledfrom the supply tube 36. Liquid soap may then be poured within thereservoir neck 33 around the supply tube 36 to replenish the reservoir18. A funnel may be used to facilitate pouring the liquid soap into theinlet 224. After refilling the soap reservoir 18, the dispensing head 14is replaced. More particularly, the spout body 40 is placed axially onthe mounting shank 24 and then locked in position. The dispensing tube42 is again fluidly coupled to the supply tube 36. More particularly,the upper end 46 of the supply tube 36 is received within the funnel 66of the tube retainer 62

With reference now to FIGS. 19-23, the dispensing head 314 of a furtherillustrative electronic soap dispenser 310 is shown. The componentsbelow the sink deck 12 (e.g., the soap reservoir 18 and the pumpassembly 20) may be substantially similar to those detailed above inconnection with the electronic soap dispenser 10 of FIGS. 1-18. As such,in the following description similar components are identified with likereference numbers.

Similar to mounting shank 24 detailed above, a mounting shank 324extends downwardly through opening 26 in the sink deck 12 and securesboth the dispensing head 314 and the lower soap reservoir 18 to the sinkdeck 12. The mounting shank 324 includes external threads 328 thatengage with internal threads 30 of mounting nut 32. The sink deck 12 isclamped between the dispensing head 314 and the mounting nut 32.

The dispensing head 314 illustratively includes a hollow spout body 340receiving dispensing tube 42. The spout body 340 is illustrativelyformed from a material having at least a portion being electricallyconductive and thereby defining the input member or electrode 110. Inone illustrative embodiment, the spout body 340 is formed of a metal,such as a plated brass. In another illustrative embodiment, the spoutbody 340 is formed of a chromed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).The dispensing tube 42 extends within a hollow passageway 343 of thespout body 340. As detailed above, lower end 44 of the dispensing tube42 is in fluid communication with an upper end 46 of the supply tube 36,and an upper end 48 of the dispensing tube 42 defines dispensing outlet23.

A hose or tube retainer 362 secures the lower end 44 of the dispensingtube 42 to the spout body 340. The tube retainer 362 may besubstantially similar to the tube retainer 62 detailed above. Moreparticularly, the hose retainer 362 may be formed of a polymer, such asan acetal copolymer, and illustratively includes an upper barbed fitting364 and a tapered lower receiving chamber or funnel 366. The upperbarbed fitting 364 is secured within the tube 42, while the lowerreceiving chamber 366 receives the upper end 46 of the supply tube 36. Apair of mounting bosses 368 include openings 370 to receive fasteners,such as screws 72, to secure the tube retainer 362 to retaining bosses373 of the spout body 340.

A releasable coupler 374 couples the spout body 340 to the mountingshank 324 to facilitate removal of the dispensing head 314 from the sinkdeck 12 for refilling the reservoir 18 with liquid soap from above thesink deck 12 and/or replacing the dispensing head 314 with differentstyles or designs. Illustratively, the releasable coupler 374 includes astructural coupling or connector 376 between the dispensing head 314 andthe mounting shank 324, and an electrical coupling or connector 378between the dispensing head 314 and the pump assembly 20.

In one illustrative embodiment, the structural connector 376 of thereleasable coupler 374 includes a spout retainer 380 coupled to themounting shank 324 through a mounting base 382. The spout retainer 380is secured to openings 384 formed in the retaining bosses 378 of thespout body 340 through fasteners 72. The spout retainer 380 isillustratively formed of a polymer and includes an upper wall 386including openings 388 aligned with the openings 370 of the hoseretainer 362 and the openings 384 of the spout body 340 for receipt ofthe fasteners 72.

A cylindrical sidewall 390 extends downwardly from the upper wall 386,and a flange 392 extends radially outwardly from the sidewall 390proximate the upper wall 386. A pair of diametrically opposed snapfingers 394 extend outwardly from the sidewall 390 and include tabs orlatches 396 (FIG. 27). Detent tabs 398 extend downwardly from the flange392 and are positioned radially outside of the sidewall 390. A receiver400 is positioned concentrically within the sidewall 390 and includes afrusto-conical inner surface 402 to define a funnel to assist inlocating and directing the upper end 46 of the supply tube 36 toward thereceiving chamber 366 of the hose retainer 362.

The mounting base 382 includes a cylindrical inner wall 406 defining acenter opening 408 receiving the mounting shank 324 such that the upperend of the mounting shank 324 is captured between the spout retainer 380and the mounting base 382. A cylindrical outer wall 410 is connected tothe inner wall 406 by a lower wall 412 that rests upon upper surface 16of the sink deck 12. The outer wall 410 defines an electricallyinsulating spacer between the sink deck 12 and the spout body 340.

With reference to FIG. 22, a lower surface 414 of an upper lip 416 ofthe mounting shank 324 rests upon a flange 418 of the mounting base 382,while an upper surface 420 of the upper lip 416 of the mounting shank324 faces a lower surface 422 of the spout retainer 380. As shown inFIG. 21, a plurality of recesses 424 in the mounting base 382 receivetabs 426 of the mounting shank 324 to rotationally orient and secure themounting shank 324 relative to the mounting base 382. The mounting base382 is illustratively formed of a non-conductive material, such as apolymer. As such, the mounting base 382 defines an electrical insulatorbetween the spout body 340 and the sink deck 12.

A light indicator 430, such as one or more LEDs, may be coupled to asupport 432, such as a printed circuit board. The support 432 isillustratively received within a cavity or slot 434 defined between theinner and outer walls 406 and 410 of the mounting base 382. The lightindicator 430 is oriented to provide light visible through a lens 436. Acable or wire 438 electrically couples the light indicator 430 to thecontroller 120.

The latches 396 of the snap fingers 394 are received within an annularslot 440 formed within the inner wall 406 of the mounting base 382. Thesnap fingers 394 axially restrain the spout retainer 380 and thereforethe spout body 340, while permitting rotational movement of the spoutretainer 380 and the spout body 340 relative to the mounting base 382.When the spout body 340 is coupled to the mounting base 382, the detenttabs 398 of the spout retainer 380 are received within cooperatingarcuate notches 442 formed in the upper end of the inner wall 406 of themounting base 382. Protrusions 444 are supported within the notches 442and define discrete angular positions of the spout retainer 380 andspout body 340 relative to the mounting base 382.

As noted above, the electrical connector 378 defines a releasableelectrical coupling between the dispensing head 314 and the pumpassembly 20 for selective electrical communication therebetween. Theelectrical connector 378 provides communication between the capacitiveinput member 110 above the sink deck 12 and electronics below the sinkdeck 12. This quick disconnect feature allows a user to remove the spoutbody 340, for example, when refilling the soap reservoir 18, withoutdealing with a wired connection between the mounting base 382 and thespout body 40.

The electrical connector 378 includes a first electrical contact 446supported for movement by the dispensing head 314, and a secondelectrical contact 448 in selective electrical communication with thefirst electrical contact 446 supported by the mounting base 382. Thefirst electrical contact 446 is illustratively formed of an electricallyconductive material, such as copper or brass, and is supported withinthe passageway 343 of the spout body 340. The first electrical contact446 may be secured in place through a fastener, such as a screw 450. Thesecond electrical contact 448 is supported by the wall of the mountingbase 382 and is in selective electrical communication with the firstelectrical contact 446 supported by the spout body 340. Moreparticularly, the second electrical contact 448 is illustratively formedof an electrically conductive material, such as copper or brass, and isreceived within a recess 452 formed in the inner wall 406 of themounting base 382.

With reference to FIGS. 24-26, the spout body 340 may be rotatedrelative to the mounting base 382 to activate and deactivate thecapacitive sensing input to the controller 120. A significant and/orsudden drop in the capacitive output signal 119 may provide anindication to the controller 120 that the spout body 340 has beenremoved, e.g., for refilling the reservoir 18 with soap.

In the position of FIG. 24, the spout body 340 is in a centered or homeposition where the contacts 446 and 448 are angularly aligned andthereby in electrical communication. In the position of FIG. 25, thespout body 340 has been rotated counter-clockwise by more than apredetermined amount (illustratively more than −28 degrees) to an off ordeactivated position. Similarly, the spout body 340 may be rotatedclockwise by more than the predetermined amount (illustratively morethan +28 degrees) to an off or deactivated position. In the offpositions, the contacts 446 and 448 are not angularly aligned andthereby not in electrical communication with each other. The spout body340 may also be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by a predeterminedamount (illustratively by +/−28 degrees) to an active intermediateposition where the contacts 446 and 448 are still angularly overlappingand thereby in electrical communication. FIG. 26 illustrates the spoutbody 340 rotated clockwise to the +28 degree position. As noted above,the mounting base wall includes arcuate notches to receive tabs 398 fromthe spout retainer 380. The tabs 398 and protrusions 444 act as anindexing member to define different defined angular positions of thespout body 340 relative to the mounting base 382.

In operation, the electronic soap dispenser 10 may be toggled between onand off conditions by rotating the spout body 340 about the mountingbase 382. In the manner detailed above, the controller 120 maydistinguish between a proximity input and a touch or contact input. Thecontroller 120 may also distinguish between a touch input and a grasp orgrab input. A proximity input may be distinguished from a contact input(touch or grab) based upon the intensity of the input signal from thecapacitive sensor 118. A contact input may be distinguished between atouch (or tap) and a grab based upon the duration of the contact inputsignal from the capacitive sensor 118.

Illustratively, upon detecting a proximity output signal from thecapacitive sensor 118, the controller 120 will cause the pump assembly20 to dispense soap in a predetermined quantity. Upon detecting a touch(or tap) output signal from the capacitive sensor 118, the controller120 will cause the pump assembly 20 to dispense soap continuously for apredetermined time. As such, the quantity of soap dispensed may bedifferent depending upon proximity or touch activation. Alternatively,the quantity of soap dispensed may be the same for both proximity andtouch activation. As further detailed herein, this predeterminedquantity may be set by a user in certain embodiments.

A timer within the controller 120 may limit the time for dispensingsoap, for example should a sensor malfunction or misuse occur. Inanother illustrative embodiment, the controller 120 may dispense aquantity of soap for each touch (or tap). For example, the controller120 may dispense a single shot of soap in response to a single tap, twoshots of soap in response to two taps, etc. Upon detecting a grab thecontroller 120 may cause the pump assembly 20 to remain inactive, suchthat no soap will be dispensed. As such, a user may grab and rotate thespout body 340 without dispensing soap. For example, the user may rotatethe spout body 340 between on and off positions, or may remove the spoutbody 340 from the sink deck 12 without dispensing soap.

The dispensing head 314 may be removed from the sink deck 12 by pullingthe spout body 340 upwardly away from the mounting base 382. The snapfingers 394 of the spout retainer 380 are thereby released from the slot440 of the mounting base 382. The soap reservoir 18 may then be refilledin a manner similar to that detailed above with soap dispenser 10.

An illustrative electronic soap dispenser 510 is shown coupled to sinkdeck 12 in a stand-alone configuration in FIG. 28, while the electronicsoap dispenser 510 is shown coupled to sink deck 12 in an integratedconfiguration in FIG. 29. The electronic soap dispenser 510 issubstantially similar to the illustrative soap dispensers 10 and 310 ofFIGS. 1-27 as detailed above. As such, in the following descriptionsimilar components are identified with like reference numbers.

In the stand-alone configuration of FIG. 28, the electronic soapdispenser 510 may be operated independently from other devices. Moreparticularly, the electronic soap dispenser 510 includes its owncontroller 120 and power supply 140. In the illustrative embodiment, thecontroller 120 is supported on a printed circuit board (PCB) 512 whichis electrically coupled to motor 176. An electrical cable 514illustratively couples the dispensing head 314 to the controller 120.The electrical cable 514 illustratively includes an electricalconnector, such as a mini-USB plug 516. The spout body 340 isillustratively formed from an electrically conductive material, therebydefining the input member or electrode 110.

In the illustrative stand-alone configuration of soap dispenser 510(FIG. 28), the power supply 140 comprises a battery pack 518. Thebattery pack 518 is coupled to the motor 176 through an electrical cable520. The battery pack 518 illustratively includes a battery box 522having a lower housing or holder 524 and a cover 526. The lower housing524 defines an internal chamber sized to receive batteries (not shown),illustratively two 3 cell groups of AA-cell batteries (6 batteriestotal).

In the integrated configuration of FIG. 29, the electronic soapdispenser 510 is operably coupled, or tethered, to another electronicdevice, illustratively an electronic faucet 610. The electronic faucet610 may include a spout 612 supporting a sprayhead 614 defining a mixedwater outlet 616. A handle 618 is connected to a manual valve 619, whichis fluidly coupled to hot and cold water supply lines 620 and 622 tocontrol the flow rate and the temperature of water supplied to the mixedwater outlet 616.

A control unit 624 may include a housing 626 supporting an electricallyactuated valve 628 operated by controller 120. In the illustrativeembodiment, the controller 120 is supported by a printed circuit board(PCB) in electrical communication with the electronic faucet 610. Thecontroller 120 is configured to open and close the electrically operablyvalve 628 in response to an input sensor of the faucet 610. The inputsensor may be an infra-red (IR) sensor and/or a capacitive sensor.

Each of the illustrative soap dispensers 10, 310, 510 detailed hereinmay be configured to operate in either the stand-alone mode (without aconnection to an external controller), or in the integrated mode (with aconnection to an external controller, such as electronic faucet 610).

With reference now to FIGS. 30-32, the dispensing head 314 ofillustrative electronic soap dispenser 510 is shown in greater detail.The components below the sink deck 12 (e.g., the soap reservoir 18 andthe pump assembly 20) may be substantially similar to those detailedabove in connection with the electronic soap dispenser 10 of FIGS. 1-18and the electronic soap dispenser 310 of FIGS. 19-27. One distinctionhowever, is that the motor 176 is directly coupled to the printedcircuit board (PCB) 512. More particularly, electrical connections ofthe motor 176 are soldered directly to electrical contacts on the PCB512 (FIG. 30). This eliminates the need for a separate electrical cablebetween the motor 176 and the PCB 512, thereby reducing associatedcomponent and assembly costs.

As further detailed above, mounting shank 324 extends downwardly throughopening 26 in the sink deck 12 and secures both the dispensing head 314and the lower soap reservoir 18 to the sink deck 12. The mounting shank324 includes external threads 328 that engage with internal threads 30of mounting nut 32. The sink deck 12 is clamped between the dispensinghead 314 and the mounting nut 32.

The dispensing head 314 illustratively includes hollow spout body 340receiving dispensing tube 42. The spout body 340 is illustrativelyformed from a material having at least a portion being electricallyconductive and thereby defining the input member or electrode 110. Asdetailed above, lower end 44 of the dispensing tube 42 is in fluidcommunication with an upper end 46 of the supply tube 36, and an upperend 48 of the dispensing tube 42 defines dispensing outlet 23.

Tip or nozzle 50 secures the outlet 23 defined by the upper end 48 ofthe dispensing tube 42 to the dispensing head 314. As shown in FIG. 32,the outlet 23 of the dispensing tube 42 extends a distance D from theouter face 528 of the dispensing head 314 to prevent dripping of soapdown the outer surface thereof. In the illustrative embodiment, thedistance D is at least 0.063 inches.

Tube retainer 362 secures the lower end 44 of the dispensing tube 42 tothe spout body 340. Mounting bosses 368 include openings 370 to receivefasteners, such as screws 72, to secure the tube retainer 362 toretaining bosses 373 of the spout body 340.

Releasable coupler 374 couples the spout body 340 to the mounting shank324 to facilitate removal of the dispensing head 314 from the sink deck12 for refilling the reservoir 18 with liquid soap from above the sinkdeck 12 and/or replacing the dispensing head 314 with different stylesor designs. Illustratively, the releasable coupler 374 includesstructural coupling or connector 376 between the dispensing head 314 andthe mounting shank 324, and an electrical coupling or connector 378′between the dispensing head 314 and the pump assembly 20.

In one illustrative embodiment, the structural connector 376 of thereleasable coupler 374 includes spout retainer 380 coupled to themounting shank 324 through mounting base 382. The spout retainer 380 issecured to openings 384 formed in the retaining bosses 373 of the spoutbody 340 through fasteners 72. The spout retainer 380 includes upperwall 386 having openings 388 aligned with the openings 370 of the hoseretainer 362 and the openings 384 of the spout body 340 for receipt ofthe fasteners 72.

The mounting base 382 includes cylindrical inner wall 406 definingcenter opening 408 receiving the mounting shank 324 such that the upperend of the mounting shank 324 is captured between the spout retainer 380and the mounting base 382. Cylindrical outer wall 410 is connected tothe inner wall 406 by lower wall 412 that rests upon upper surface 16 ofthe sink deck 12. The outer wall 410 defines an electrically insulatingspacer between the sink deck 12 and the spout body 340.

As noted above, the electrical connector 378′ defines a releasableelectrical coupling between the dispensing head 314 and the pumpassembly 20 for selective electrical communication therebetween. Theelectrical connector 378 provides communication between the capacitiveinput member 110 above the sink deck 12 and electronics (e.g., PCB 512)below the sink deck 12. As noted above, this quick disconnect featureallows a user to remove the spout body 340, for example, when refillingthe soap reservoir 18, without dealing with a wired connection betweenthe mounting base 382 and the spout body 40.

The electrical connector 378 includes a first electrical contact 446′supported for movement by the dispensing head 314, and second electricalcontact 448 in selective electrical communication with the firstelectrical contact 446′ supported by the mounting base 382. The firstelectrical contact 446′ is illustratively defined by a protrusion orboss integral with the spout body 340 and extending within thepassageway 343. The second electrical contact 448 is supported by thewall of the mounting base 382 and is in selective electricalcommunication with the first electrical contact 446′ defined by the bossof the spout body 340. More particularly, the second electrical contact448 is illustratively formed of an electrically conductive material,such as copper or brass, and is received within recess 452 formed in theinner wall 406 of the mounting base 382.

With reference to FIGS. 30 and 33, the pump assembly 20 is supported bythe soap reservoir 18 and illustratively includes a drive mechanism 160operably coupled to a pump device 162. The bottom wall 35 of thereservoir 18 supports the pump assembly 20 and is secured to the sidewall 164.

The drive mechanism 160 illustratively includes electric motor 176having rotatable drive shaft 178 and operably coupled to the controller120. The electric motor 176 is illustratively supported below the bottomwall 35 by motor mount 179′. The motor mount 179′ includes a pair ofreceiving bosses 180′ receiving a pair of posts 182 extending downwardlyfrom the bottom wall 35 (FIG. 8). The drive mechanism 160 is retainedwithin a motor cover 184′ which, in turn, is secured to the bottom wall35. The motor cover 184′ is illustratively formed of a polymer andprotects the drive mechanism 160 from debris.

With reference to FIG. 33, gears 194 and 196 are received within arecess 206 formed in the bottom wall 35. A gear cover 208 is positionedabove the gears 194 and 196 and is secured to the bottom wall 35 by aplurality of fasteners, such as screws 210. The gear cover 208 includesan inlet port 212 and an outlet port 214 on opposite sides of where thegear teeth 202 and 204 mesh. The outlet port 214 is defined by anupwardly extending nipple 216 received within a check valve 530. Thecheck valve 530 may be received within a lower end 44 of the dispensingtube 42. The check valve 530 may be of conventional design similar tocheck valve 56, as detailed above.

The supply tube 36 extends upwardly through the reservoir 18 and intothe dispensing head 14. More particularly, the lower end 218 of thesupply tube 36 is fluidly coupled to the outlet port 214 of the gearcover 208, while the upper end 46 of the supply tube 36 is receivedwithin the receiving chamber 66 of the tube retainer 62. As such, thedispensing tube 36 extends axially the full length of the soap reservoir18 from proximate the bottom wall 35 through the sink deck 12 and intothe dispensing head 14.

An illustrative method of operation of electronic soap dispenser 510 isshown in FIGS. 34A and 34B. Beginning at block 710, the capacitivesensor 118 detects the presence of a user. More particularly, thecapacitive sensor 118 detects proximity to, or touching of, thedispensing head 314 by a user. If a touch or proximity input is detectedat block 712, then liquid soap is dispensed at a predetermined quantityat block 714. If no proximity or touching is detected by the capacitivesensor 118 at block 712, then the process returns to sensing block 710.

If a grasp or grab is detected by the capacitive sensor 118, the methodcontinues to decision block 716. At decision block 716, the controller120 determines if the grab lasts at least 5 seconds. If the grab lastsless than 5 seconds, then the method returns to block 710. If the grablasts at least 5 seconds, then the method proceeds to decision block718.

At block 718, the controller 120 determines if the grab lasts at least10 seconds. If the grab lasts less than 10 seconds (but at least 5seconds as determined at block 716), then the method proceeds to block720 where the light indicator 430 displays a continuous purple light. Atblock 722, a subroutine within the controller 120 allows the user to setthe amount of soap dispensed per activation or shot (i.e., setdispensing duration). More particularly, each tap of the dispensing head314 by the user will set the duration of soap dispensed per subsequentactivation.

In an illustrative embodiment, the soap dispensing duration may be setper the following table:

Number of Taps Set Dispensing Duration 1 300 milliseconds 2 600milliseconds 3 1 second 4 1.5 seconds 5 2 seconds

The controller 120 is illustratively set at the factory to dispenseliquid soap at the duration equivalent to 3 taps, in the illustrativeembodiment being 1 second. So to reduce the amount of soap delivered peractivation, the user taps the dispensing head 314 one or two times oncein the program mode. To increase the amount delivered, the user taps thedispensing head 314 four or five times once in the program mode. Whilethe amount of soap dispensed per activation is illustratively varied bysetting different dispensing durations in the manner detailed above,alternatively the speed of the motor 176 may be varied to increase ordecrease the amount of soap dispensed.

At block 722, the controller 120 causes the light indicator 430 to flasha blue light equal to the number of taps, thereby indicating the setdispensing duration. The controller 120 then causes the pump assembly 20to dispense soap for the set dispensing duration. If the setting iscorrect, at block 726 the user grabs the dispensing head 314 for atleast 5 seconds to save the setting and exit the subroutine. If adifferent dispensing duration is desired, then the user again taps thedispensing head 314 to the desired setting at block 728. At block 730,the controller 120 deactivates the light indicator 430. The methodcontinues to block 732, where the setting is stored by the controller120 such that the same amount of soap is dispensed (i.e., set dispensingduration) with both touch and proximity activation. The method thenreturns to block 710.

Returning to decision block 718, if the controller 120 determines thatthe grab lasts at least 10 seconds, then the method proceeds to block734 where the light indicator 430 displays a continuous or solid redlight for 3 seconds. At block 734, a subroutine within the controller120 allows the user to activate and deactivate proximity sensing. Moreparticularly, at block 734, proximity sensing is deactivated. If theuser wishes to reactivate proximity sensing, then at block 736 the usergrabs the dispensing head 314 for at least 10 seconds. The method thencontinues to block 738 where the controller 120 causes the lightindicator 430 to display a continuous or solid blue light for 3 secondsand the proximity sensing is again activated. The method then returns toblock 710. As detailed herein, proximity sensing allows a user todispense liquid soap without touching the dispensing head 314 if theuser places his or her hand within 0.5 inches anywhere near thedispensing head 314.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in thefollowing claims.

1. An electronic soap dispenser comprising: a dispensing head configuredto be supported above a mounting deck and including an outlet; a lowerreservoir operably coupled to the dispensing head and configured to besupported below the mounting deck; a pump assembly operably coupled tothe lower reservoir, the pump assembly configured to be supported belowthe mounting deck and to pump liquid soap from the lower reservoir tothe outlet of the dispensing head; a capacitive sensor operably coupledto the dispensing head; and a controller in electrical communicationwith the capacitive sensor, the controller configured to receive anoutput signal from the capacitive sensor and to activate the pumpassembly to dispense a preset amount of soap in response to the outputsignal, wherein the preset amount of soap to be dispensed is configuredto be adjusted by a user touching the dispensing head.
 2. The electronicsoap dispenser of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured toactivate the pump assembly for a preset dispensing duration in responseto the output signal, wherein the preset dispensing duration isconfigured to be adjusted by a user touching the dispensing head in aprogramming mode.
 3. The electronic soap dispenser of claim 1, whereinthe dispensing head includes an electrode electrically coupled to thecapacitive sensor.
 4. The electronic soap dispenser of claim 3, whereinthe electrode comprises an electrically conductive sensing plate.
 5. Theelectronic soap dispenser of claim 3, wherein the electrode comprises anelectrically conductive spout body.
 6. The electronic soap dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein the dispensing head includes a spout body removablefrom the reservoir which remains coupled to the mounting deck.
 7. Theelectronic soap dispenser of claim 6, further comprising an electricalconnector including a first electrical contact supported for movementwith the dispensing head, and a second electrical contact supported onthe mounting deck and in selective electrical communication with thefirst electrical contact.
 8. The electronic soap dispenser of claim 7,wherein the first electrical contact comprises one of an electricallyconductive tab and an electrically conductive arcuate strip, and thesecond electrical contact comprises the other of an electricallyconductive arcuate strip and an electrically conductive tab, the firstand second electrical contacts configured to maintain electricalcommunication as the spout body is rotated relative to the mountingdeck.
 9. The electronic soap dispenser of claim 8, wherein the spoutbody is rotatable relative to the mounting deck from an on positionwhere the first and second electrical contacts are in electricalcommunication to an off position where the first and second electricalcontacts are not in electrical communication.
 10. The electronic soapdispenser of claim 1, wherein the pump assembly operates in differentdispensing modes based upon whether the controller receives a proximityoutput signal or a touch output signal from the capacitive sensor. 11.The electronic soap dispenser of claim 10, wherein the controllerdistinguishes between the proximity output signal and the touch outputsignal based upon an amplitude of the output signal from the capacitivesensor.
 12. The electronic soap dispenser of claim 1, wherein the lowerreservoir includes a bottom wall and an open upper neck, the pumpassembly is supported by the bottom wall of the lower reservoir, and asupply tube extends upwardly through the lower reservoir from the pumpassembly to an upper neck of the lower reservoir.
 13. The electronicsoap dispenser of claim 12, further comprising a dispensing tubeextending within the dispensing head and including opposing lower andupper ends, the upper end defining the outlet, and a tube retainersecuring the lower end of the dispensing tube to the dispensing head,the tube retainer including a downwardly facing funnel portion toreceive an upper end of the supply tube.
 14. The electronic soapdispenser of claim 1, further comprising an electrical insulatorpositioned between the dispensing head and the mounting deck.
 15. Theelectronic soap dispenser of claim 1, wherein the number of successiveuser taps on the dispensing head sets the preset amount of soap to bedispensed.
 16. An electronic soap dispenser comprising: a dispensinghead configured to be supported above a mounting deck and including anoutlet; a lower reservoir operably coupled to the dispensing head andconfigured to be supported below the mounting deck; a pump assemblyoperably coupled to the lower reservoir, the pump assembly configured tobe supported below the mounting deck and to pump liquid soap from thelower reservoir to the outlet of the dispensing head; a capacitivesensor operably coupled to the dispensing head; and a controller inelectrical communication with the capacitive sensor, the controller in atouch mode being configured to receive a touch output signal from thecapacitive sensor when a user touches the dispensing head to activatethe pump assembly in response to the touch output signal, and thecontroller in a hands free mode is configured to receive a proximityoutput signal from the capacitive sensor when a user is positioned in adetection area near the dispensing head, wherein a user may selectivelyenable and disable the hands free mode.
 17. The electronic soapdispenser of claim 16, wherein the user may selectively enable anddisable the hands free mode by touching the dispensing head for at leasta predetermined time.
 18. The electronic soap dispenser of claim 17,wherein the predetermined time is at least 10 seconds.
 19. Theelectronic dispenser of claim 16, wherein the pump assembly operates indifferent dispensing modes based upon whether the controller receives aproximity output signal or a touch output signal from the capacitivesensor.
 20. The electronic soap dispenser of claim 19, wherein thecontroller distinguishes between the proximity output signal and thetouch output signal based upon an amplitude of the output signal fromthe capacitive sensor.
 21. An electronic soap dispenser comprising: adispensing head configured to be supported above a mounting deck, thedispensing head including a spout body; a dispensing tube receivedwithin the spout body and defining an outlet; a lower reservoirconfigured to be supported below the mounting deck, the lower reservoirincluding an upper neck operably coupled to the dispensing head; a pumpassembly operably coupled to the lower reservoir and configured to pumpliquid soap from the lower reservoir to the outlet of the dispensingtube; a supply tube extending within the lower reservoir, the supplytube extending from a lower end fluidly coupled to the pump assembly toan upper end extending within the upper neck of the lower reservoir; anda tube retainer securing the lower end of the dispensing tube to thespout body, the tube retainer including a downwardly facing funnelportion receiving the upper end of the supply tube to define areleasable fluid coupling between the dispensing tube extending abovethe mounting deck and the supply tube extending below the mounting deck.22. The electronic soap dispenser of claim 21, wherein the reservoirincludes a rib secured to the upper end of the supply tube to supportthe supply tube within the upper neck of the reservoir to define arefill opening.
 23. The electronic soap dispenser of claim 21, furthercomprising: a capacitive sensor operably coupled to the spout body; anda controller in electrical communication with the capacitive sensordefining both a proximity sensor and a touch sensor.
 24. The electronicsoap dispenser of claim 23, wherein the controller is configured toreceive an output signal from the capacitive sensor and to distinguishbetween a proximity output signal from the capacitive sensor when a useris positioned in a detection area near the dispensing head, and a touchoutput signal from the capacitive sensor when a user touches thedispensing head.
 25. The electronic soap dispenser of claim 24, whereinthe pump assembly operates in different dispensing modes based uponwhether the controller detects the proximity output signal or the touchoutput signal from the capacitive sensor.
 26. The electronic soapdispenser of claim 21, wherein the pump assembly includes a gear pumpand a motor operably coupled to the gear pump.
 27. The electronic soapdispenser of claim 26, wherein the pump assembly further includes adrive pulley coupled to the motor, a driven pulley coupled to the drivepulley, and the gear pump includes a drive gear coupled to the drivenpulley, and a driven gear coupled to the drive gear.